Apple Acquires Shazam

Apple Acquires Shazam

Apple has acquired location-based mobile app Shazam. The music app gives users the ability to identify the artists and songs playing near them. Apple says the app has more than 1 billion downloads, and the company will now offer Shazam ad-free. However, Shazam has been more than a music app over the years, having worked with Gimbal Inc. to communicate with Bluetooth beacons as well as working with brands to use the app to scan logos on in-store signage or in TV ads to receive product and campaign information. It worked with companies such as McCormick & Co. and Johnson & Johnson.